Being older and having crooked teeth can be difficult sometimes. You may feel like you’ll be stuck with them for the rest of your life because you don’t want to deal with intrusive and unsightly teeth straightening treatments. Or maybe you assume that you’re too old or that the situation is too challenging to have your teeth fixed. But you might be wrong.
There are so many different options available for adults who want to correct crooked teeth nowadays, and there are few cases where they cannot be treated. Let’s look at a few things you should know about getting your teeth straightened as an adult.
The Different Types of Treatments
We would first recommend that you start researching different types of braces. Classic metallic braces don’t look the greatest and can be restrictive, but that doesn’t mean you should write them off completely.
Traditional braces remain one of the most affordable and effective methods for fixing crooked teeth. Sure, they might look bad, but you have a few people who find them charming. However, they can get annoying, and they come with lots of restrictions. If you don’t want severe limitations on the foods that you can eat, we wouldn’t suggest those.
Lingual braces are another option you could consider. Lingual braces are installed behind the teeth and will be nearly impossible to see by most people. They are great if you want something that will be discreet but know that you’ll have to be ready to pay as it’s one of the most expensive treatments on the market.
Next, you have clear and ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are very discreet and work just like traditional braces. This means that they will have most of the same restrictions. Clear braces also work like conventional braces but are translucent. Both are great for people with severely crooked teeth and don’t want people to see that they’re wearing braces.
Lastly, you have teeth aligners. These are probably the most convenient way to get your teeth aligned, and they don’t require that you go to a clinic in most cases. You can have them shipped through the mail after sending a print of your teeth to the manufacturer.
Clear aligners also look and work differently from traditional braces. They are placed directly over the teeth and look more like mouth guards than braces. Throughout your treatment, you’ll get multiple aligners that will gradually correct your teeth until you don’t need them anymore.
The Price of Braces
You’ll want to learn the difference in price between different types of treatments before you get started. The cost of different procedures can vary greatly, so take the time to do your research if the budget is a significant concern for you.
If you want to learn more about the teeth straightening cost in the UK, visit Straight My Teeth. They compare the price differences between braces and clear aligners, and they run down the pros and cons of each method.
You’ll get a clear idea of which methods you can afford and which ones would be the best for your specific situation. You may find that the teeth straightening costs in the UK are cheaper than you thought.
Knowing Which Conditions Can Be Fixed
It’s also important to know which type of issues can be fixed by different treatments. For instance, if you have severely misaligned teeth or the misalignment is caused by a significant structural problem with your jaw or face, there’s a strong chance that teeth aligners won’t work.
You also have to know that you don’t necessarily have to go with braces or aligners, depending on what you’re trying to achieve. If you only want to fix a few crooked teeth or gaps, you could always go for veneers or implants instead. The benefit here is that you won’t have to wait as long for results, and you could spend a lot less.
How Long Will It Take to Get Results?
Another question many people have before they get treatment is how long they’ll have to wait until their teeth are completely straight. The time it will take will largely depend on the condition of your teeth and the treatment you pick. If you are thinking of getting traditional braces, you can expect to have to wear them for at least two years before you take them off, so be ready for the commitment.
Invisible aligners act faster, and some people can stop using them after eight months, though this isn’t always the case. If this is the option you want to go for, expect to have to wear them for 12 to 18 months at least.
If you’re older and have crooked teeth, know that you don’t have to learn to live with them. `There are plenty of options outside of metal braces, so look at all the different treatments and examine the benefits and disadvantages of each.
